Bryce Harper Placed on Injured List Due to Wrist Injury

Pittsburgh, PA – The Philadelphia Phillies announced Saturday that star first baseman Bryce Harper has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to inflammation in his right wrist. The placement is retroactive to June 6.

Harper did not play in the Phils’ recent 5-4 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where manager Rob Thomson stated that Harper was taking a rest day to manage an ongoing wrist issue. “It’s his right wrist, it’s a little sore. It’s been sore for a while. He’s been fighting through it,” Thomson said.

To fill Harper’s roster spot, the Phillies selected the contract of utility player Otto Kemp from Triple-A Lehigh Valley. The team had the flexibility to make this move as they currently have 39 players on their 40-man roster.

After experiencing significant health issues this season, including a recent elbow injury sustained from a pitch on May 27, Harper’s health continues to be a concern for the Phillies. Following that injury, he struggled, achieving only one hit in 11 plate appearances upon returning.

Harper is batting .258 this season with nine home runs, and the Phillies will need to find a way to win without their key player. The team has been in a slump, losing seven of their last eight games.

Kemp will be making his Major League debut after an impressive stint in Triple-A, where he posted a .313 batting average with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs in 58 games. The 25-year-old was signed by Philadelphia as a free agent after going undrafted in 2022.

The Phillies are expected to adjust their infield alignment, with Alec Bohm shifting to first base and Kemp likely playing third base. This series of changes aims to optimize the lineup in Harper’s absence.

As the Phillies prepare to face left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney in their upcoming game, the team is looking for any opportunity to regain their winning momentum despite losing one of their top hitters.